Galway is once again in the international spotlight as the CREW Creative Enterprise & Innovation Hub at the former Cluain Mhuire at Wellpark. has been named a finalist in the prestigious SBID International Design Awards 2025. Competing in the hotly contested “Interior Design: Office Design (Europe )” category, the CREW Hub is not just a workplace – it is a bold statement of design, innovation, and community. Now, the public has the power to help bring this global award home to the West of Ireland.
Designed by the visionary team at Cronin Architects and beautifully captured in photography by Edel Fitzpatrick, the CREW Hub represents the cutting edge of sustainable and culturally rooted design.
Every aspect of the interior reflects Galway’s vibrant creative spirit, its rich material history, and the natural beauty of the Atlantic coastline. This is not your average office space – it is a dynamic, low-carbon workspace purpose-built to inspire creativity, promote wellbeing, and foster innovation.
Officially opened in April 2024, the CREW Hub was designed with the specific needs of creative start-ups in mind. Located in the heart of the west, it provides a welcoming home for emerging businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs working in the creative industries.
From flexible co-working zones and private offices to quiet reflection areas, the space is a model for how thoughtful, evidence-based design can empower people to connect, collaborate, and grow.
What sets the CREW Hub apart is its integration of local identity with future-focused design. Natural materials, seasonal colour schemes, and biophilic elements bring the outside in, creating a warm, stimulating environment that feels rooted in its surroundings.
This approach not only reflects Galway’s cultural and ecological context but actively supports the wellbeing and productivity of those who use the space.
The SBID International Design Awards are recognised as one of the most respected accolades in the global interior design industry. Judged by a panel of internationally renowned experts, projects are evaluated on their functionality, innovation, creativity, and technical excellence. Just being named a finalist is a significant achievement – but winning would place Galway firmly on the world stage for design excellence.
Public voting plays a vital role in the final outcome, contributing 10% to the overall score. This is where your support is needed. By casting your vote for the CREW Hub, you’re not just recognising an outstanding piece of design – you’re championing Irish innovation, sustainability, and creativity.
Voting is open now and closes at 5pm on Friday, 5 September.
To vote, simply visit the SBID International Design Awards website, find the “Office Design (Europe )” category, and select the CREW Hub entry.
Let’s make sure Galway’s remarkable creative community gets the recognition it deserves. Every vote counts – and with your help, the CREW Hub can take its rightful place among the world’s design elite.
Vote today – and help CREW Hub bring this global award home to Galway.
